You can immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the North East by travelling there. Its wide diversity of flora and fauna, rivers, lakes, wildlife, and valleys makes it the perfect location for nature lovers. As it is located in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, the terrain and climate help various plants, animals, and other species survive.
India’s eco-friendly regions, largely undiscovered by tourists, are included in the northeast tourism industry. The profusion of nature has a certain appeal. Most of these seven states in the North East are covered in a forest canopy, making it the ideal location for the growth of wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife habitats.
Several different species can be seen on a safari at a national park in North East India. Several bird sanctuaries have become photographers’ hotspots because they host a large number of birds. The following national parks are some of the more well-known ones you can visit while travelling in the North East.
List of Wildlife National Parks in Northeast India:
1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in North East India. It is home to two-thirds of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros population in the world. Moreover, it is a tiger reserve with the highest density of tigers among all internationally protected places.
You may explore the untamed woodlands while riding a giant elephant in Kaziranga National Park and seeing one-horned rhinoceros. Then there’s Jeep Safari, which takes you deep into the forest to see a variety of wild species. The months of November through April are the ideal times to explore Kaziranga National Park.
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Kaziranga National Park is Jorhat Airport, which is approximately 96 km away. The nearest railway station is Furkating Junction, which is around 75 km from the park. The park is well-connected by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Jorhat and other nearby cities.
2. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
A well-known sanctuary for one-horned rhinos and various bird species is Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is home to the greatest number of rhinos anywhere on earth. The marshlands and natural setting of the park are ideal for habitation by rhinos, which explains why there are more of them here.
In addition, the park’s bird species are another draw. Several of the over 190 bird species under protection are endangered. Popular bird species in the reserve include the Lesser Adjutant, White-bellied Heron, Spot-billed Pelican, and Swamp Francolin. Pobitora is called the “Bharatpur of the East” because of its enormous bird population.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is approximately 75 km away. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, which is around 50 km from the sanctuary. The sanctuary is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Guwahati and other nearby cities.
3. Murlen National Park, Mizoram
A 100-square-kilometre area makes up the Murlen National Park, founded in 1991. The park, which features tropical and semi-evergreen woods and six caves, is home to tigers, leopards, Himalayan black bears, serows, hoolock gibbons, sambars, barking deer, and wild boars.
In addition, it’s possible to see a number of endangered bird species, including common partridges, hill mynas, and swifts with the dark rump. Many cliffs can be seen at Murlen National Park. During the region’s busiest travel season, from October to March, you can experience the area by going on a bird safari, a jungle safari, or going hiking.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport to Murlen National Park is Lengpui Airport in Aizawl, which is approximately 245 km away. The nearest railway station is Bairabi Railway Station, which is around 125 km from the park. The park is well-connected by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Aizawl and other nearby cities.
4. Kanchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
The Kanchendzonga National Park encompasses an area of 850 square kilometres and is home to several endangered species, such as the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, and Asiatic Wild Dog. It is surrounded by the formidable Himalayan hills and is densely covered in forest.
Typically, the Kanchendzonga National Park consists of a mixed forest of oak, fir, birch, maple, and willow. It is one of the well-known national destinations in the Indian Himalayan region. It comprises several high-altitude lakes and glacial masses that routinely draw tourists worldwide, including trekkers.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport to Kanchendzonga National Park is Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, which is approximately 170 km away. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is around 125 km from the park. The park is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Siliguri and other nearby cities.
5. Manas National Park, Assam
Manas National Park, included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1985, has a stunning landscape with grasslands, evergreen forests, and forested hills. It is situated close to the River Manas, reaches Bhutan, and is home to about 60 animal species, 500 bird species, 42 reptile species, and seven amphibian species.
You have various safari options to pick from, as well as the option of going on a jungle walk if you’re curious to explore the national park’s inside. There are also excursions like river rafting, where wild elephants, deer, and buffalo can be seen. It is also among the best locations in the nation for birdwatching.
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Manas National Park is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is approximately 145 km away. The park is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Guwahati and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Barpeta Road Railway Station, which is around 42 km from the park.
6. Keibul Lamjao National Park, Imphal
The fact that Keibul Lamjao National Park is the world’s only floating park is one of its outstanding qualities. It is situated in the middle of Loktak Lake in the Bishnupur district of Manipur. Many North East Indian tribal settlements are within the 40 square kilometres national park.
Nonetheless, the park’s main draw is the endangered Brow Antlered Deer, often known as the Dancing Deer. The park was created to protect the deer population. You can also view pythons, rat snakes, blue-crested lizards, cranes, spot-billed ducks, and other well-known animal species.
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Keibul Lamjao National Park is Imphal International Airport, which is approximately 50 km away. The park is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Imphal and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Dimapur Railway Station, which is around 215 km from the park.
7. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura
The Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, which has a total area of 163.08 square kilometres, is a must-see location in North East India. The sanctuary has several lakes, grasslands, and dense sections of forest teaming with endangered plant species. The Indian Gaur, often known as the bison, and several rare plants are the main attractions here.
Via state highway, the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible from Agartala. The golden and crowned langurs, the hoolock gibbon, the pheasant, and numerous other species of mammals, reptiles, and birds can be found in this wildlife sanctuary. Choose the proper place to stay, and you can plan highly picturesque jeep safaris.
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is Agartala Airport, which is approximately 90 km away. The sanctuary is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Agartala and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Kumarghat Railway Station, which is around 120 km from the sanctuary.
8. Nokrek National Park, Meghalaya
The Nokrek National Park, another Indian UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse biosphere and situated in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, is one of the greatest locations in the region for wildlife photography. A haven for photographers and animal lovers, the area’s landscape comprises hills, forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
Nokrek National Park has a low species density; however, while hiking to the peak of Nokrek, it’s common to spot the rare stump-tailed and pig-tailed macaques. Nearby attractions that you must see are Siju Cave and the Siju Bird Sanctuary. Winter and summer are the ideal times to visit Nokrek National Park.
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Nokrek National Park is Guwahati International Airport, which is approximately 210 km away. The park is well-connected by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Guwahati and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, which is around 175 km from the park.
9. Ntangki National Park, Nagaland
Ntangkior Intanki is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in the Nagaland region because of its extensive wildlife and forested areas. The sanctuary’s rainforests are home to various birds, mammals, and other wildlife. At this sanctuary, it’s typical to see wild buffalo, tigers, dogs, flying squirrels, sloth bears, hoolock gibbons, and elephants.
This sanctuary is an excellent choice for birdwatchers as well. The famous bird species here include pheasants, hornbills, and black storks. Several tribal communities reside there, with the Zeliangrong being the largest tribe. November through April is the ideal time to visit Ntangki National Park.
The nearest airport to Ntangki National Park is Dimapur Airport, which is approximately 80 km away. The park is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Dimapur and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Dimapur Railway Station, which is around 80 km from the park.
10. Talley Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Talley Valley in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, is a worthwhile wildlife sanctuary to visit if you want to see subtropical and alpine woods. For its critically endangered clouded leopards, the Talley Valley is extremely well-known. This cat species, a notable endangered species, can be found here.
This sanctuary’s floral diversity is also a major draw. Rhododendron, Pleioblastus, bamboo, ferns, silver fir trees, orchids, and more may all be found here. Due to its elevation, which ranges from 1,200 to 3,000 metres, this sanctuary is a wonderful option for trekking. The sanctuary has beautiful vistas of flora and rivers that run at a high height.
The nearest airport to Talley Valley is Tezpur Airport, which is approximately 70 km away. The valley is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Tezpur and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Rangapara North Railway Station, which is around 130 km from the valley.
11. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
Namdapha National Park, the largest wildlife sanctuary in North East India, is located in Arunachal Pradesh along the banks of the churning Noa-Dihing River. It draws tourists from all around India and overseas. Its 1,985 square kilometres are home to various plants and animals.
Four different species in Namdapha represent the Cat Family. Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Leopard are among the local species. The Eastern Himalaya biodiversity region is the area’s king. Visitors can go on safaris to explore the wilderness or on well-established tribal tours to visit the region’s four main indigenous tribes.
The nearest airport to Namdapha National Park is Dibrugarh Airport in Assam, which is approximately 160 km away. The park is well-connected by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Dibrugarh and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Tinsukia Railway Station, which is around 140 km from the park.
12. Balpakram National Park, Meghalaya
The Balpakram National Park also called the “land of perpetual winds”, is 220 square kilometres in the South Garo Hills. Visitors are reminded of the US Grand Canyon National Park by its geophysical structures and canyon-cum-gorge clothed in vegetation. It is Northeast India’s biggest national park.
It is stated that the series of hills with the sharply elevated valley is the “resting place of souls of the deceased”. But, besides elephants, tigers, barking deer, sambar, and gaurs, the Balpakram National Park is also home to several rare and unique creatures. The neighbouring Siju Cave, Nohkalikai Waterfall, Umlawan Cave, and Siju Bird Sanctuary are also open to tourists.
The nearest airport to Balpakram National Park is Guwahati International Airport, which is approximately 240 km away. The park is well-connected by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Guwahati and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, which is around 200 km from the park.
13. Orang National Park, Assam
The Indian one-horned rhinoceros are a common sight in the Orang National Park, located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River and span around 80 square kilometres. A few small tribal towns encircle the park, which is vulnerable to the biotic pressure brought on by deforestation and poaching.
The recreation complex features lush backwoods flora, a haven for many well-developed critters, reptiles, and avian species. The leisure centre is best visited between October and April with the divisional woods officer’s enthusiastic consent. The Orang National Park remains closed during rains.
The nearest airport to Orang National Park is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is approximately 130 km away. The park is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Guwahati and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Rangapara North Railway Station, which is around 40 km from the park.
14. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary also called “A true ocean of green paradise on earth”, is a special and enjoyable sanctuary with absolute beauty and a wealth of animals. The sanctuary has craggy mountains, beautiful scenery, natural lakes, and a wealth of flora and animals, and everything appears to be in perfect condition.
The reserve is home to several animal, reptile, fish, and bird species because of its plentiful natural resources. Tigers, wild pigs, Black Panthers, leopards, elephants, bears, and birds like warblers, flycatchers, hornbills, pigeons, etc., are the most common animals in the sanctuary we can see from here.
The nearest airport to Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is Tezpur Airport, which is approximately 115 km away. The sanctuary is easily accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from Tezpur and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Harmuti Railway Station, which is around 35 km from the sanctuary.
The Bottom Line
With the aid of these top wildlife spots in North-East India, we can appreciate just how rich the region’s flora and animals are. These are only a few of North East India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that protect and preserve wildlife. North East India is comparable to a top safari zone for exploring various Indian wildlife for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Related Articles
- Sangai Festival Manipur 2023: A Festival of North East India
- 10 Places to See in North East India August 2023
- A Solo Travelers Guide to North East India
- Popular Monasteries in North East India
- Best Time to Visit North East India – Month-by-Month Guide
- 10 Famous Snowfall Destinations North East India
- Top Destinations to See in North East India in November 2023
- 10 Popular Romantic Sunset Points in North East India
- Top 8 UNESCO Heritage Sites North East India
